Compulsory licensing

Compulsory licensing is a legal mechanism that allows a government to permit someone to produce a patented product or use a patented process without the consent of the patent holder. This typically happens when access to essential medicines or technologies is needed, such as during a public health crisis. The government can issue a compulsory license to ensure that specific products are available at affordable prices, balancing patent rights with the public's need for access to important innovations. The patent holder often receives compensation, but the focus is on public benefit and health over profit.